Brahma Arama Vihara Buddhist Monastery (The Buddhist temple) in Banjar North Bali, near Lovina, is more then just a “tourist attraction”. It is still used, and you can find groups of people staying in the Ashram nearby. It well knows as Vihara Buddha Banjar, is the biggest Buddhist temple in Bali. It is located at a hilly area at Tegehe Village, Desa Banjar, Buleleng Regency about 22 km west of Singaraja City and 10 km from tourist spot Lovina. It is around 88 Km from Bali International Airport, or around 2,5 hours driving from Kuta area. it is around a two-kilometer drive from the hot spring of Banjar through the Banjar Tegeha village.

The temple was built by Yayasan Giri Rakketo Maha Tera, with the name of the foundation being taken from its founder Bhiku Giri Rakketo Maha Thera, that was built in the late of 20th century Christian exactly in 1960 and after 1970, it was opened formally in 1973. Originally, the temple was built at the top of the hot spring in Banjar but in 1970, it was relocated and the building expanded to be as it is now.The temple is painted with colorful decorations, it has a very bright orange roof and some Buddha statues it also has Balinese decorative carvings. This shows the solidarity amongst the Balinese people and the Buddhist community who live on Bali.

From the outside, the building looks like houses. A gate entrance with typical Balinese carvings, makes one forget that this building is a Buddhist place of worship. Vihara is deliberately designed in accordance with Balinese architecture has a circular pool with fountains, and decorated with some plants, including lotus. The main page is divided into three parts: the stigma, intermediate and main mandala. All three are connected by stairs.

At all steps of the kindness shown teachings related to Buddhism. Buddhism is the principle that guides the viewer to interpret, and understand the Brahmavihara Arama. One of them reads indriya samvara which means always supervise / control aggregates.

Right of the top you will see the terraced complex has a few praying rooms with golden Buddha’s, and several Buddha statues in the garden. On the highest level of the complex you find a Stupa, allmost like a small version of the Borobudur in Java. In the temple you find references to the Borobudur. There is a vast meditation area and everyday many guests visit this temple. Some of them come to relax and take the opportunity to meditate others to admire the beautiful buildings and surroundings. The area is very peaceful and has panoramic views overlooking Lovina Beach. Visitors are always welcome and are asked to respect the tranquility of the area and the beliefs of the locals by wearing sarong or sash upon entering the temple.

Because of its location on the hills, the temple offers a beautiful natural surrounding landscape Buleleng among other fields, the sea and the mountains. It is said that at night, when the sky is dark, the fireflies are found to fly, and beautify the “Borobudur” is.

The location away from the noise of a tourist destination of various circles to undergo silence with calm hearts and minds. The area of ​​the monastery has Vipasana space that can be used by anyone wishing to do meditation enlightenment. Every day come to seek spiritual bliss by meditation.

During your stay in Lovina, you should take the opportunity to visit this Buddhist temple. Any of the drivers in Lovina will take you there, for the real adventurers amongst you why not hire a motor bike, and take the journey at your own peace. Just turn left at the crossroads in Desa Banjar.

The Buddhist temple is not a tourist trap, entrance is free, but donations are welcome. Even the sarongs you may need to enter the temple, you can use for free.